4.++Forms+That+Express+Universal+Themes

** __Forms That Express Universal Themes__ **

 * Anonymous storytellers developed various forms to express universal themes and archetypes. At first, these forms lived only in the memory, and a tale might vary with every telling. Later in history, stories were written down and individual authors emerged. **
 * ** Myths explained the actions of gods and humans who interact with them. Myths also explain the causes of natural phenomena. **
 * ** Folk tales focus on human or animal heroes, and, unlike myths, are not primarily concerned with gods or creation. **
 * ** Legends are folk tales that recount the adventures of a human hero and are based on a historical truth. A legend told in an exaggerated way is a tall tale. **
 * ** Epics are long narrative poems that describe the exploits of larger-than-life heroes. The hero usually engages in a dangerous journey or quest that is important to the history of a group or culture. **
 * All of these narrative forms express the values, ideals, and behaviors cherished by a society. Shared values are held in common by people across cultures. In contrast, culturally distinct values are specific to a group. In literary work, cultural details are the beliefs, traditions, and customs that reflect a particular society. Modern literature, though written by individuals rather than fashioned by a group, can also express universal themes. **
 * Note: **
 * Myths were the first attempts at scientific explanations. Unable to explain phenomena in the natural world, early people ascribed them to supernatural force, such as a god or goddess. **
 * Epics combine the features of myths and legends. The hero on the quest is helped or hindered by gods and other supernatural creatures. Because of their length, epics more than other narrative forms provide a portrait of an entire culture, including its values, beliefs, laws, arts, and ways of life. **